WIS 111, between Catawba and Phillips, will be under road construction starting August 4, 2025, through the middle of September.
The $3.1 million project will improve the road, addressing the cracking asphalt pavement and deteriorating storm water drainage culverts.
During culvert construction, WIS 111 will be closed. The detour will be via US 8 and WIS 13. For the remainder of construction, WIS 111 will be reduced to a single lane with flagging operations.
The schedule is dependent upon weather conditions.
On Sunday, July 27, 2025, at approximately 3:28 p.m., it was reported that an 11-year-old girl fell off the back of a boat on Lake Alexander in Lincoln County. She could not be located in the water.
Emergency responders from the Merrill Fire Department and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office were paged. The Lincoln County, Oneida County, and Marathon County Dive Teams were requested. The Wisconsin DNR plus Newbold and Pine Lake Fire Departments were also requested. All reported to the scene.
A search was immediately conducted with sonar. The girl was located; however, she was deceased. The body was recovered at 7:03 p.m.
No further information is being released at this time.
7-29-2025 UPDATE: CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CLAIMS CHILD'S LIFE
The 11-year-old girl who died in the boating accident is Maisy Livingston of Merrill, Wisconsin.
The investigation has led authorities to a suspected cause of death, which is carbon monoxide toxicity. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, "Maisy is believed to have suffered sudden loss of consciousness due to carbon monoxide toxicity, which caused her to fall out of the boat. Three other victims in the same boat were treated at various medical facilities for carbon monoxide toxicity. Their condition is considered stable, and they are expected to make a full recovery. An autopsy was performed on Monday, July 28, 2025. Preliminary findings indicated carbon monoxide toxicity to be a likely contributing factor to Maisy’s death. The investigation is ongoing; however, there does not appear to be any foul play or negligence involved at this time."
Police want to remind the public about a little-known boating hazard. Although uncommon, there are a number of documented incidents regarding carbon monoxide poisoning while boating. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and can be fatal. If a watercraft moves at a slow speed for an extended period of time, carbon monoxide can build up in and around it. Carbon monoxide can even build up in open air boats, which do not have an enclosed cabin area. Boaters should be aware of wind conditions and contributing factors to help avoid this potential hazard.
The 2nd Annual Price County County-wide Garage Sales Event will take place on August 14, 15, 16, and 17, 2025 for anyone with a Price County address, whether in the city limits or the country in Phillips, Park Falls, Prentice, Kennan, Catawba, Fifield, Ogema, Brantwood, and southern Butternut. As long as you are in Price County, you can list your garage sale.
My Price County is offering free advertising to residents who would like to have a garage sale on that weekend. To participate, reserve your ad spot by submitting your first and last name, full address of your garage sale location, the days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday) and the times you set for your garage sale, along with a short list (25 words or less) of some of the items that will be at your garage sale. Either message My Price County on Facebook or send an e-mail to Contact@MyPriceCounty.com with "Garage Sale" in the subject line. While getting the garage sales sent via e-mail is preferred, you can call 715-339-6677 if you do not have access to Messenger or e-mail. My Price County will confirm receipt of all messages and e-mails. The deadline for submitting your garage sale is 5 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025. Please note, you will need to place your own garage sales signs and do any additional advertising that you choose.
Like last year, Phillips on Tap will be held on the Saturday of the event. Both events will bring more people to the area. Since Phillips on Tap starts later in the day on Saturday, everyone will be able to participate in both events. There should be a good amount of out-of-town people attending Phillips on Tap who decide to come early for the garage sales and a good amount of people coming to town for the garage sales who will stay for the music of Phillips on Tap. Last year's garage sale participants said Saturday was a very busy shopping day and they saw many garage sale shoppers. Anyone who hosts a garage sale can choose their days and times; no one has to host a sale on all four days unless they want to, and each sale can start and end as early or as late as chosen by each garage sale host.
The county-wide garage sale event is being held to help promote the county. Please help us make others aware of this event by sharing this article's link or the Facebook post. You can also follow and invite your friends to the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1233662171824346.
This is a free listing, so please get on the list, because the more sales on the list, the more likely garage sale shoppers are to travel from farther away, because the number of sales has to be worth their while to travel.
Sales will be posted by the morning of August 14, 2025, at https://www.mypricecounty.com/sales.html. Save that link but realize there are no current sales listed there yet, and the full list won't be published until August 14, 2025 (or a couple days earlier).
Governor Tony Evers released the following statement on Thursday, July 24, 2025, stating he will not run for a third term.
"Hey, Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers here.
You know, I was a scrawny kid with glasses who grew up scraping mold off of cheese. I never dreamed I’d end up governor of Wisconsin. But here I am.
For the last six years, you’ve welcomed me into your churches, businesses, classrooms, farms, hospitals, and communities. I cherish every moment—every tour, visit, high five, question, and selfie. It’s the honor of my life to be able to give back to the state that raised me.
I promised you when I ran for this office that I’d always work to do the right thing, that I’d always give it to you straight, and that I’d always try to be a governor for all of Wisconsin. And I work every day to keep those promises. That’ll never change.
I began my run for governor as a proud Plymouth Progressive, and that’s still who I am today. I’m a science teacher at heart who ended up running for office and winning five straight statewide elections.
So, would I win if I ran a sixth time? Of course. No question about that. But whether I’d win or not has never been part of my calculus about running again.
Here’s the truth: Wisconsin, the only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad, and a grandpa.
I’ve spent 50 years in public service. I’m damn proud I devoted my entire career—and most of my life—to working for you. And from Plymouth to Baraboo, Tomah to Oshkosh, Verona to Madison, and everywhere in between, Kathy and my family supported me all the way.
Marrying Kathy is the greatest accomplishment of my life because it gave me a lifetime with her, three amazing kids, and nine incredible grandkids. For five decades, my family has sacrificed to give me the gift of service. They’re my world. And I owe it to them to focus on doing all the things we enjoy and love doing together.
It’s why, Wisconsin, I’m announcing that I will not be running for a third term.
I’m so humbled to be your governor. This is the best job I’ve ever had. And folks, we are not done yet.
There is, as always, much work to do. And, Wisconsin, I’ll be working just as hard as I have for the last six years to keep doing the right thing and deliver for you.
So, let’s get back to work. Forward, for you and for Wisconsin, always.
According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, "A lengthy investigation was conducted by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Northcentral Drug Enforcement Group Task Force (NORDEG), and the Wisconsin Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation, which resulted in seven individuals being arrested and charged in Oneida County Circuit Court with Conspiracy to Manufacture/Deliver Fentanyl (>50g). The individuals listed below were involved in a conspiracy to transport fentanyl to the Rhinelander area and distribute it locally."
The sheriff's office also stated that fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug, which is responsible for fatal and non-fatal overdoses. Recently, fentanyl is being mixed with other illicit drugs to increase the potency. Fentanyl is highly addictive.
During the course of the investigation, assistance was provided by Rhinelander Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, and Waushara County Sheriff’s Office.
Due to the State of Wisconsin's road construction project on Lake Avenue, the Independence Day parade was held on Flambeau Avenue in Phillips. Some of the many parade floats are shown below.
Deer Creek Angus, LLC has a large selection of Black Angus burgers, steaks, roasts, and other beef products sold by individual packages and in quarters, halves, and whole. Contact Deer Creek Angus, LLC at 715-550-6156, find products & pricing on their website, and follow their Facebook page.
The Phillips Public Library, located at 286 Cherry Street in Phillips, has lots of activities and events planned for this month. Visit the library's website for more information, or see the image at the end of this article.
The Phillips Public Library, located at 286 Cherry Street in Phillips, has lots of activities and events planned for this month. Visit the library's website for more information.
Price County Sheriff Brian Schmidt and City of Phillips Chief of Police Michael Hauschild are pleased to announce a joint drug distribution investigation was conducted by the Price County Sheriff’s Office and the Phillips Police Department.
According to the Sheriff's Office, "The investigation began in March of 2025. As a result of this investigation, numerous residential search warrants were executed within and around the City of Phillips. To date, nine individuals have been arrested in connection with this investigation."
The individuals arrested and the charges referred to the Price County District Attorney’s Office are as follows:
Benjamin L. Krueger (Age 44)
• Delivery of Methamphetamine (0-3g) 2nd or Subsequent Offense (3 counts)
• Delivery of Methamphetamine (0-3g) 2nd or Subsequent Offense as a Party to a Crime
• Maintain a Drug Trafficking Place as a Party to a Crime (3 counts)
• Felony Bail Jumping (8 counts)
Bradley K. Vasa (Age 57)
• Manufacture/Deliver THC as Party to a Crime (2 counts)
• Maintain Drug Trafficking Place as a Party to a Crime (2 counts)
• Possession with Intent to Distribute THC
Donald J. Zimmermann (Age 56)
• Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (10-50g) 2nd or Subsequent Offense
• Possession of THC
• Possession with the Intent to Distribute THC (<200g) 2nd or Subsequent Offense
• Maintain Drug Trafficking Place as a Party to a Crime
• Possess Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts)
• Neglecting a Child (2 counts)
Karen L Zimmermann (Age 54)
• Possession of THC
• Maintain Drug Trafficking Place as a Party to a Crime
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Neglecting a Child (2 counts)
Nichole A. Vanhoozen (Age 50)
• Possession of Methamphetamine as a Repeater
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Samuel A. Williams (Age 44)
• Delivery of Methamphetamine (10-50g) 2nd or Subsequent Offense
• Delivery of Methamphetamine (0-3g) 2nd or Subsequent Offense
• Possession with the Intent to Distribute THC Near City Park 2nd or Subsequent Offense
• Possession of Methamphetamine 2nd or Subsequent Offense (2 counts)
• Possession of THC 2nd or Subsequent Offense (2 counts)
• Encourage Probation Violation
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts)
• Felony Bail Jumping (8 counts)
Vanessa F. Godfrey (Age 40)
• Delivery of Methamphetamine (0-3g) 2nd or Subsequent Offense as a Party to a Crime (2 counts)
• Maintain a Drug Trafficking Place as a Party to a Crime (3 counts)
• Felony Bail Jumping (12 counts)
William R. Cantrell Sr (Age 55)
• Delivery of Methamphetamine 2nd or Subsequent Offense (2 counts)
• Possession of Methamphetamine 2nd or Subsequent Offense
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Habitual Criminal Enhancer (2 counts)
William R Cantrell Jr. (Age 34)
• Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
• Delivery of Methamphetamine (0-3g) 2nd or Subsequent Offense
• Maintain a Drug Trafficking Place as a Party to a Crime (2 counts)
• Felony Bail Jumping (4 counts)
• Manufacture/Deliver THC (2 counts)
• Possession of THC
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
This investigation is ongoing and additional arrests or criminal charges may be forthcoming. Sheriff Schmidt and Chief Hauschild would like to remind the public these individuals are innocent until proven guilty.
The Price County Sheriff’s Office and the Phillips Police Department were assisted by the Price County Health and Human Services Child Protection Service.
The May 2025 Eagle Award winners distinguished themselves for having "Initiative" for the month.
Front row, left to right: Keyantae Henderson, Gideon Schuelke, and Ellie Wilson
Middle row, left to right: Levi McFadden, Madison Kisling, Amelia Smith, Carson Bay, and Hendrix Scott
Back row, left to right: Caden Kang, Hank Rauschenbach, Lylli Bukachek, Greg Oswald, Ruth Oswald, and Khaliva Moya (This photo was received with the tops of heads missing in the back row; this is not our error.)
Submitted photo.
The May 2025 Soar Award winners from Park Falls Elementary School persevered and accomplished a challenging feat.
Front row, left to right: Thomas Wagner, Asher Walters, Weston Behling, Emery Volk, and Alhana Barron
Middle row, left to right: Max Barylski, Rayna Schultz, Maddyx Donner, Noah Czaja, and Aubrey Willimas
Back row, left to right: Parker Paholke, Hank Rauschenbach, Treyton Radlinger, Brynlee Schmidt, Carter Schuelke, and Ryan Langland
The Price County Sheriff's Office and the Phillips Police Department have been working together on the drug issues in our county.
At a July 1, 2025, City of Phillips meeting, Chief Mike Hauschild explained recent arrests. "We've been involved in a multi-operation with the drugs involving multiple targets in the City of Phillips and Price County. This began back in March of this year. On Friday, June 25, officers in the Phillips Police Department assisted the Price County Sheriff's Department and conducted a drug search warrant in the county which had ties to the City of Phillips." He explained two individuals were arrested. He stated that on June 30, four search warrants occurred in the City of Phillips. From that, seven people were taken into custody and are being held at the Price County Jail. Many of these people are repeat offenders, and 112 total charges will be referred to the district attorney for things such as possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia; keeping of a drug house; habitual criminality; and bail jumping, among other things.
Chief Hauschild continued, "I keep beating a dead drum, but the legal system has to get serious about this. I'm so frustrated with our court system.
"Again, numerous long hours away from our families to keep this community safe. This is one of my number one aggravations is drug dealers. Okay? I hope everybody feels the same way. You got to put pressure on the judge and the district attorney."
He believes we are going to get a special prosecutor from the Green Bay area given the current district attorney has resigned (see related story) and will no longer be in the position as of July 7, 2025. "But, again, it takes the people from the community to put pressure on the district attorney and the judges, because this has to stop," Chief Hauschild added.
The Phillips Public Library, located at 286 Cherry Street in Phillips, has lots of activities and events planned for this month. Visit the library's website for more information.
If, in the last few years, you attended a fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day at Badger’s Den, with fireworks provided by Matt Palas, you know how amazing those shows were.
This year, the show is back, bigger and better than previous years. It will be held at South Fork Tavern, which is located at N11154 County Road F in Phillips (Lugerville). The show will be on Thursday, July 3, 2025, around dusk and will last about half an hour. If it rains, the show will be held on Saturday instead.
Tell your friends and family, bring your lawn chairs, and enjoy one of the most amazing fireworks shows you have ever seen in Phillips, Wisconsin.
Then, on Friday, July 4, 2025, enjoy the Independence Day parade on Flambeau Avenue at 2 p.m. and the City of Phillips’ fireworks show in Elk Lake Park at night.
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